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Leviathan: The Unauthorised Biography of Sydney
'To peer deeply into this ghost city, the one lying beneath the surface, is to understand that Sydney has a soul and that it is a very dark place indeed.'Beneath the shining harbour, amid the towers of global greed and deep inside the bad-drugs madness of the suburban wastelands, lies Sydney's shadow history. Terrifying tsunamis, corpse-robbing morgue staff, killer cops, neo-Nazis, power junkies and bumbling SWOS teams electrify this epic tale of a city with a cold vacuum for a moral core.Birmingham drills beneath the cover story of a successful multicultural metropolis and melts the boundaries between past and present to reveal a ghost city beneath the surface of concrete and glass. In Birmingham's alternative history of Sydney, the yawning chasm between the megarich and the lumpen masses is as evident in the insane wealth of the new elites as it was in the head-spinning rapacity of the NSW Rum Corps. This is a city shattered by the nexus between government, big money and the underworld, where the glittering prizes go to the strong, not the just.Combining intensive research with the pace of a techno-thriller, John Birmingham creates a rich portrait of a city too dazzled by its own gorgeous reflection to caremuch for what lies at its dark, corrupted heart. Illuminated by wild flashes of black humour, violent, ghoulish and utterly compelling, Leviathan is history for the Tarantino generation.
563 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
66 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
John Birmingham
77 books1,158 followersJohn Birmingham grew up in Ipswich, Queensland and was educated at St Edmunds Christian Brother's College in Ipswich and the University of Queensland in Brisbane. His only stint of full time employment was as a researcher at the Defence Department. After this he returned to Queensland to study law but he did not complete his legal studies, choosing instead to pursue a career as a writer. He currently lives in Brisbane.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 10, 2024
"Sydney as Psychopath" said one reviewer
"A huge, black, spitting and stammering denunciation of the history of the city of Sydney by the nation's premier gonzo journalist." said another.
And they're both right. Here's Birmingham on his own process.
That quote comes in the epilogue. It may be a mea culpa but it doesn't really forgive the previous 500 pages of grim misogyny. It's always enticing to peer behind the emerald curtain but I'm not quite sure Birmingham's work is that. It's more of a writer's first go at the then exciting new genre of narrative non-fiction. Like some Hunter S Thompson fan fiction.
According to Birmingham, if you live overseas you'll never want to visit Sydney less you die an awful death. If you're a Sydneysider you're forgiven for your naiveite for not knowing our city is the darkest hellhole on earth.
Look at some of these chapter titles, not that you could call the 100 page sections chapters, The Virgin's Lie, Only the Strong, Pig City. Those alone show that this book is damnation without relief.
And the division by chapter really serves no purpose whatsoever as the book has no chronology or themes beyond chaotic darkness.
There's some interesting facts in here but they're covered in a deep grime and hatred. The narrative non-fiction Birmingham's so obsessed with involves a lot of scene setting, historical figures as "characters", and the constant entering of these "characters" heads. I grew weary of Birmingham's incessant passing of the fictionalised thoughts of historical figures as gospel.
I'm trying to think who I would recommend this to and I think it's a book you need to come to of your own accord. Which begs the question why I'm even writing this review. Better wrap it up.
"A huge, black, spitting and stammering denunciation of the history of the city of Sydney by the nation's premier gonzo journalist." said another.
And they're both right. Here's Birmingham on his own process.
"I planned to open with an essay called 'Creation Myths', covering prehistory to convict transportation and including Aboriginal history. I also intended writing a whole chapter on women and actually mapped out a long section on the city's gay history. But none of these things happened... Not only had the chapter on Sydney's women disappeared, the women themselves, apart from a few cameos, had gone MIA. And the gays? The burbs? The celebration? The good vibes of living in the greatest city in the world? Forget it. Sometime back in 1995 I wandered off the bright, teeming thoroughfares and down into a very dark alley. I never came back."
That quote comes in the epilogue. It may be a mea culpa but it doesn't really forgive the previous 500 pages of grim misogyny. It's always enticing to peer behind the emerald curtain but I'm not quite sure Birmingham's work is that. It's more of a writer's first go at the then exciting new genre of narrative non-fiction. Like some Hunter S Thompson fan fiction.
According to Birmingham, if you live overseas you'll never want to visit Sydney less you die an awful death. If you're a Sydneysider you're forgiven for your naiveite for not knowing our city is the darkest hellhole on earth.
Look at some of these chapter titles, not that you could call the 100 page sections chapters, The Virgin's Lie, Only the Strong, Pig City. Those alone show that this book is damnation without relief.
And the division by chapter really serves no purpose whatsoever as the book has no chronology or themes beyond chaotic darkness.
There's some interesting facts in here but they're covered in a deep grime and hatred. The narrative non-fiction Birmingham's so obsessed with involves a lot of scene setting, historical figures as "characters", and the constant entering of these "characters" heads. I grew weary of Birmingham's incessant passing of the fictionalised thoughts of historical figures as gospel.
I'm trying to think who I would recommend this to and I think it's a book you need to come to of your own accord. Which begs the question why I'm even writing this review. Better wrap it up.
July 30, 2020
I hate Sydney as a city, i think it's overpriced and overhyped and should be taken down a peg or two. Having said that i thoroughly enjoyed this book. Birmingham takes aim at the city's rotten heart and doesn't miss. From the colonial thuggery of the Rum Corps to the bent coppers exposed by the Woods Royal Commission it seems that nothing has changed in two centuries. The only minor issue i had with this book was a few bits of standard leftist bleeding heart piety but aside from that it's excellent.
January 9, 2016
Unconventional biography of Sydney, Australia. Imagine The Fatal Shore rewritten in the manic, freewheeling style of Hunter S. Thompson, and you have something of this book's measure. Birmingham has dredged up nearly two centuries of history and is royally pissed off with his findings. True, some of the sentences may grate on your eardrums. ('When George Washington and crew kicked King George III's worthless royal butt out of North America they not only fathered the United States but also became distant uncles to Australia.') But Birmingham is willing to risk seeming crude to meet his goals, foremost to get the layman pumped about history. He succeeds.
February 15, 2015
This is a book I have had my eye on for years. Appropriately I found it in Goulds books, a Sydney institution in itself... The book could perhaps be seen as a collection of relayed opinion pieces drawing on established fact and speculation, an observation of a modern society with a focus on historical themes that are fleshed out on lengthy chapters. As a style of writing this has its place and some significant insights into contemporary sydney are captured when key people and institutions are discussed. Unfortunately given the width of time covered and the complexity of some of the issues it makes some broad generalizations and presumes a level of knowledge of the city's history.
In places whimsical observations and characterizations replace considered argument and evidence. There are real issues dealing with the way Sydney allows (or not) itself to be governed that are worthy of more discussion with no space available for their context. For example there is regular reference to the futility or politicized nature of drug laws without a discussion of their context or how the alternatives stack up. The role of the media as a force influencing legislation, policy and the city's perception of itself was a side story on a discussion about street gangs when it warranted more.
That said how do you write a comprehensive history of a society without having to pick your subjects. It added to my knowledge and told me some things I was willing to hear so it was worth the read. If you already have an understanding of the themes, dates and lead players of Sydney history then you will find this book an insightful and at times humorous take on the harbour city.
Three and a half...
In places whimsical observations and characterizations replace considered argument and evidence. There are real issues dealing with the way Sydney allows (or not) itself to be governed that are worthy of more discussion with no space available for their context. For example there is regular reference to the futility or politicized nature of drug laws without a discussion of their context or how the alternatives stack up. The role of the media as a force influencing legislation, policy and the city's perception of itself was a side story on a discussion about street gangs when it warranted more.
That said how do you write a comprehensive history of a society without having to pick your subjects. It added to my knowledge and told me some things I was willing to hear so it was worth the read. If you already have an understanding of the themes, dates and lead players of Sydney history then you will find this book an insightful and at times humorous take on the harbour city.
Three and a half...
January 29, 2012
This "unauthorised biography of Sydney; is actually a dark summary of all the defects which characterize a metropolis.
Although some historical facts are interesting as well as the use of the journalistic technique (simple present tense, plain structure, slang language), the lack of any bright side in Sydney past and present history is strongly suspicious and the author's opinion seems often biased.
Furthermore, the choice of not following any chronological order confounds readers without a sound knowledge of Australian history. Finally, the omission of important themes (women's condition, gay community, past and present relationship with UK, ...) is very questionable. And mentioning just at the end the Aborigines (with a generic "sorry" in the last line) enforces my negative impression of this book.
Although some historical facts are interesting as well as the use of the journalistic technique (simple present tense, plain structure, slang language), the lack of any bright side in Sydney past and present history is strongly suspicious and the author's opinion seems often biased.
Furthermore, the choice of not following any chronological order confounds readers without a sound knowledge of Australian history. Finally, the omission of important themes (women's condition, gay community, past and present relationship with UK, ...) is very questionable. And mentioning just at the end the Aborigines (with a generic "sorry" in the last line) enforces my negative impression of this book.
January 2, 2010
A brilliantly conceived and executed story of sydney's not so pretty past. From repeated racism to crime a compelling and heart breaking read
December 21, 2008
A sensational history of Sydney, the main thesis is: Sydney is a corrupt, bad city, with lots of crime, and no one cares about each other. Its dazzling shiny exterior hides an underbelly of grime and pain. It's capitalism run rampant, and it's killed people.
Shocking. Really. I mean, I simply can't think of other cities where money rules and people get it in the neck. Where organized crime once ruled over the police. Hmm...
Clearly, I'm thinking about New York, and that's not surprising, because John Birmingham essentially stole the concept for this book from another guy who wrote the exact same kind of book about New York.
I learned some history, but it would have been nicer to learn it from someone who wasn't constantly trying to prove that Sydney is the rottenest town on earth. It almost felt like he was proud of it; like Sydney's that much more "real."
Birmingham is a VICE magazine writer...just without a VICE magazine.
Shocking. Really. I mean, I simply can't think of other cities where money rules and people get it in the neck. Where organized crime once ruled over the police. Hmm...
Clearly, I'm thinking about New York, and that's not surprising, because John Birmingham essentially stole the concept for this book from another guy who wrote the exact same kind of book about New York.
I learned some history, but it would have been nicer to learn it from someone who wasn't constantly trying to prove that Sydney is the rottenest town on earth. It almost felt like he was proud of it; like Sydney's that much more "real."
Birmingham is a VICE magazine writer...just without a VICE magazine.
May 5, 2020
A well constructed history of Sydney that is easy to read and tells stories around themes rather than chronological time.
What I fascinating is the parallels to today. Sydneysiders protested the stoppage of their jobs, quarantine,and the knocking down and/or cleaning of their houses when they had the bubonic plague.
Let that sink in. People protested health measures for the Bubonic Plague. A painful, awful, and non -discriminating disease that killed young and old.
So, really these covid anti-lockdown protests in the US should be unsurprising. And in the historical context show people will always put their immediate needs of food and shelter over health if they have no other options. Addressing poverty seems to be the only real way to address this I think.
Just a reminder, history is depressing and we often repeat our mistakes and worst behaviours. So while I recommend this book, just be aware of that fact.
What I fascinating is the parallels to today. Sydneysiders protested the stoppage of their jobs, quarantine,and the knocking down and/or cleaning of their houses when they had the bubonic plague.
Let that sink in. People protested health measures for the Bubonic Plague. A painful, awful, and non -discriminating disease that killed young and old.
So, really these covid anti-lockdown protests in the US should be unsurprising. And in the historical context show people will always put their immediate needs of food and shelter over health if they have no other options. Addressing poverty seems to be the only real way to address this I think.
Just a reminder, history is depressing and we often repeat our mistakes and worst behaviours. So while I recommend this book, just be aware of that fact.
August 9, 2016
Interesting way to write history: 4 thematic essays which included some personal views, current events (of the time it was written, anyway) with linkages to origins of the issues under discussion. The issues chosen are serious and dark; refugees, crime, corruption, etc. As always, there is a never ending discussion surrounding these issues. If you are not familiar with the Australian history, you may find the book confusing as there were personages and event that are assumed the readers will know. For myself, as I've been devouring history books the last couple of months, I'm familiar only about 3/4 of those mentioned in this book.
February 23, 2020
Breathtaking
I picked up this book because I love JB’s writing, from felafels to monsters to space opera, and because I am a Sydney resident, who thinks this town the greatest on earth, despite the political oafs and commercial skulduggery still very obvious.
I was astounded by the origins of what I see today, and Birmingham has tied together a special narrative linking Phillips’ arrival to now, explaining so much and giving life to streets and parts of Sydney I’d just walked through or past without understanding.
I recommend this to anyone with a tie to, or a curiosity about Sydney, but be prepared to be surprised on the journey...
I picked up this book because I love JB’s writing, from felafels to monsters to space opera, and because I am a Sydney resident, who thinks this town the greatest on earth, despite the political oafs and commercial skulduggery still very obvious.
I was astounded by the origins of what I see today, and Birmingham has tied together a special narrative linking Phillips’ arrival to now, explaining so much and giving life to streets and parts of Sydney I’d just walked through or past without understanding.
I recommend this to anyone with a tie to, or a curiosity about Sydney, but be prepared to be surprised on the journey...
August 11, 2021
One of the best - if most unforgiving - histories of Sydney you'll ever read. Well researched, engagingly written and often quite chatty in its approach, this is John Birmingham at his most heartfelt.
November 21, 2024
Fantastic, though the pace sagged a little in the middle for me; some bits were just lists of bad things happening. Made me appreciate parts about Sydney's history I didn't know, and when I did recognize bits it got me interested in a whole other way.
February 2, 2024
A depressing but necessary read for anyone living in NSW
May 30, 2023
This book first published in 1999, races through time, swings around and comes back again, though that's not meant to be a criticism, just an observation. It covers multitudes of aspects of life in Sydney over more than 200 years: colonialism, racism, sexism, rabid capitalism, wage inequality, corruption and more.
There are many memorable lines and some images well worth remembering. speaking of those knowledge workers who inhabit the buildings in the clouds he says:" Very little leaks out of the cool marble atrium and onto the streets below, and that which does, does not stray far. It is doubtful if one dollar of each billion at play within this building ever makes its way out to the far horizon, the badlands, which thankfully dissolve into a convenient haze on most days" and this: "For nowadays the poor have been disbursed. No longer concentrated in the inner city, they are encamped on the western and south-western fringes of the metropolis, half a million of them, uneducated, unemployable and with little future beyond daytime TV, junk food, bad drugs and madness".
A lot to think about in its 563 pages.
There are many memorable lines and some images well worth remembering. speaking of those knowledge workers who inhabit the buildings in the clouds he says:" Very little leaks out of the cool marble atrium and onto the streets below, and that which does, does not stray far. It is doubtful if one dollar of each billion at play within this building ever makes its way out to the far horizon, the badlands, which thankfully dissolve into a convenient haze on most days" and this: "For nowadays the poor have been disbursed. No longer concentrated in the inner city, they are encamped on the western and south-western fringes of the metropolis, half a million of them, uneducated, unemployable and with little future beyond daytime TV, junk food, bad drugs and madness".
A lot to think about in its 563 pages.
July 27, 2019
This book is none of what is written on it's virtual cover.
It jumps through time, building a mosaic of corruption and criminal activity throughout Sydney's history. Each of the tales is interesting. Some are known to most, some more obscure.
I think the point may have been to demonstrate some thread of corruption that defines the city. And I don't think it succeeds in doing that. The city of glitz that ignores its own underbelly doesn't resonate with this lifelong Sydney resident, already somewhat familiar with its history. I would need fair bit of convincing, and this book presented the anecdotes but didn't draw it together.
I made it to the end. Enjoyed the book. Worth a read.
It jumps through time, building a mosaic of corruption and criminal activity throughout Sydney's history. Each of the tales is interesting. Some are known to most, some more obscure.
I think the point may have been to demonstrate some thread of corruption that defines the city. And I don't think it succeeds in doing that. The city of glitz that ignores its own underbelly doesn't resonate with this lifelong Sydney resident, already somewhat familiar with its history. I would need fair bit of convincing, and this book presented the anecdotes but didn't draw it together.
I made it to the end. Enjoyed the book. Worth a read.
April 8, 2019
Stone the flamin' crows, I swear I had to sit in a dark room for days after finishing this! Epic doesn't cover it - I imagine it's the result of an obsessive, hungry, tightly-wound soul. The afterword hints at the psychological cost of an enterprise like this, and reader be warned: only for those of a strong constitution. Think of it as walking through an exploding First Fleet ship - hell, all 11 ships! - and emerging physically unscathed, with nothing but your Aussie myths in tatters on the sand.
October 2, 2019
Fantastic funny and challenging. I have found no better resource for understanding the crazy place that is Sydney. Written according to themes rather than periods or people, its insights are both profound and practically useful. For example, why would a city as wet as Sydney ever have to endure water restrictions?Because the constructed reservoirs were largely built outside catchment areas. And so on ...
October 24, 2017
The book was well written it just couldn't keep my interest. If it were a movie, I feel like it would be all action packed with war. I just can't read a book like that.
October 17, 2022
Every person who ever lived in Sydney or has hopes to migrate there should have to read this book. It perfectly encapsulates the city and it's animus.
April 19, 2023
Great history of the dark under belly and violent history of Sydney. Compelling.
January 13, 2025
You sort of go through life with the understanding this is how it's always been, that the past is a foreign land. But it's so much closer than we imagine. This was a difficult read, but it put a lot of things in perspective for me.
August 29, 2011
Brilliant - a very enjoyable popular / crime history when the author keeps out of it. I personally found it very interesting as it supports things that my folk said about growing up in Sydney.
The technique of tackling 3 different aspects of Sydney as chapters ("The Long Goodbye" - poverty, immigration and successive waves of resistance to new comers, "The Virgin's Lie" - the harsh forces of nature that affect Sydney, "Only the Strong" - the brutal nature of those have held power in Sydney)that span the entire 210 years each time was effective , and use of jumping forward to and back from recent history to show kept it all very relevant.
The fourth chapter "Pig City" mainly focuses on the last 30 years of the 2oth century, bringing together themes and undercurrents from the first three chapters that lead to the collusion of Police, Politicians and the Underworld running Sydney.
Most of the fourth chapter has been covered by the "Underbelly" television series or still has the real life players floating around, however I recon is the great series like Deadwood that could cover period of the Second Fleet and Rum Corp from 1790 to 1850.
Only draw back is that the author gets a bit twee when talking about himself - reminded me of the "smug" episode of South Park.
The technique of tackling 3 different aspects of Sydney as chapters ("The Long Goodbye" - poverty, immigration and successive waves of resistance to new comers, "The Virgin's Lie" - the harsh forces of nature that affect Sydney, "Only the Strong" - the brutal nature of those have held power in Sydney)that span the entire 210 years each time was effective , and use of jumping forward to and back from recent history to show kept it all very relevant.
The fourth chapter "Pig City" mainly focuses on the last 30 years of the 2oth century, bringing together themes and undercurrents from the first three chapters that lead to the collusion of Police, Politicians and the Underworld running Sydney.
Most of the fourth chapter has been covered by the "Underbelly" television series or still has the real life players floating around, however I recon is the great series like Deadwood that could cover period of the Second Fleet and Rum Corp from 1790 to 1850.
Only draw back is that the author gets a bit twee when talking about himself - reminded me of the "smug" episode of South Park.
Read
January 14, 2012Finally finished this whale of a book! Walking the streets of Sydney will never feel quite the same again. The author compacts history so what was said and done at the birth of the colony is nudged up against contemporary examples of the same behaviour; suach as the attitude shown towards aboriginals; nothing much has changed between then and now. His writing slices out the extraneaous and builds a powerful dark caricature of our city which begs us to question how the city has shaped us after our ancestors created her. Birmingham says that the book created its own murky tone, even though he had initially wanted to include more light-hearted chapters about women and Sydney gay culture. It never turned out that way which has maybe created an overly noir picture with not many glimmers of our famous Sydney sunshine, but then again as a good convict descendent he has lived in some pretty dark places just as they did.
September 26, 2008
John Birmingham is know more as a journalist and his brings his style to a longer format biographical sketch of the city of Sydney, Australia.
This book is one of the more engaging history books i've read, most due to how it tells its story. It is not a happy tale, full of murder, corruption, and bitter fights for survival but well worth reading. It also (suprisingly) has a solid class analysis. Birmingham is able to cut through the crap and see the systemic elements that shaped Sydneys history along with powerful figures and their political machinations.
Absent in this narrative is much focus on women and aboriginal folks and he awknowleges this error in his epilogue. It definitely would have added whole chapters to this history and would have filled in some serious blanks. Also would have made it another 200 intimidating pages (added to the already 450 pages as its printed)
This book is one of the more engaging history books i've read, most due to how it tells its story. It is not a happy tale, full of murder, corruption, and bitter fights for survival but well worth reading. It also (suprisingly) has a solid class analysis. Birmingham is able to cut through the crap and see the systemic elements that shaped Sydneys history along with powerful figures and their political machinations.
Absent in this narrative is much focus on women and aboriginal folks and he awknowleges this error in his epilogue. It definitely would have added whole chapters to this history and would have filled in some serious blanks. Also would have made it another 200 intimidating pages (added to the already 450 pages as its printed)
April 22, 2012
Illuminating look into Sydney's underbelly + more!
It is miraculas that the city is actually seemingly quite lovely in many respects - given that the Tank Stream (fresh water supply) was fairly stuffed almost immediately and the town water supply has always been an issue!
Made me think a lot about my Sydney ancestors and how it was - eg the Balmain my grannie was born into in 1902 was a grimey place in quite a different way to the giriminess of Balmain in the mid 60's when we lived there.
The squalor and the struggle of the inner Sydney slums and the ingrained corruption beginning with Macarther and the Rum Corp and carrying on to more recent police/govt corruption which continues is pretty rivetting - the patterns were set in place long ago.......
Excellent historical read - the author gets a bit mudly and off track here and there but you can skim those bits
It is miraculas that the city is actually seemingly quite lovely in many respects - given that the Tank Stream (fresh water supply) was fairly stuffed almost immediately and the town water supply has always been an issue!
Made me think a lot about my Sydney ancestors and how it was - eg the Balmain my grannie was born into in 1902 was a grimey place in quite a different way to the giriminess of Balmain in the mid 60's when we lived there.
The squalor and the struggle of the inner Sydney slums and the ingrained corruption beginning with Macarther and the Rum Corp and carrying on to more recent police/govt corruption which continues is pretty rivetting - the patterns were set in place long ago.......
Excellent historical read - the author gets a bit mudly and off track here and there but you can skim those bits
February 5, 2009
I only wish that I had discovered both this book and The Fatal Shore when I was at school. Actually, that would have been a remarkable achievement as this wasn't published until after I left school. But both books share a similar fascination and at times nearly morbid curiosity with the darker side of history, and reveal a lot about our checkered past that seems to get conveniently overlooked in the classroom. It's certainly not all gold and cheerful convict songs. Whilst Hughes uses his very educated tone to great effect, I really enjoyed Birmingham's casual observations and colloquial comments, often turning his tale into more a story you would hear at your local rather than a history lesson. I loved it.
March 25, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It's a cultural history of Sydney (and Australia, really, since the colony began here), with plenty of humour and social commentary thrown in. Not your average history book, Birmingham brings historical figures (such as our early Governors) to life. It's structured according to themes, rather than a straight-forward chronological account of events, and this keeps it interesting I reckon. It helps to show how the past and present are connected. It's funny, gritty and very well researched. Thumbs up.
May 22, 2010
Well written history of the darkside of Sydney. If you're looking for a history of how Sydney became the sprawling, thriving mass, you're not going to find it here. The book focuses on all the problems the city has faced, from power struggles any colony is bound to face (not to mention a penal colony at that), to man's lack of respect for the power of nature, to a corrupt police force and powerful criminal organization. Entertaining to the end, but beware it is a (dark) themed history.
February 28, 2024
Great book of disturbing and important truths.
John Birmingham became famous in Australia for a book about share housing in the 90s, called "He Died With A Falafel In His Hand." This one is more serious – still with a flair for the sensational, while being an intelligent, revealing book.
Not sure how accurate it is in the details, and that's an important question. It doesn't pretend to be a balanced picture – definitely a look at the dark underbelly.
John Birmingham became famous in Australia for a book about share housing in the 90s, called "He Died With A Falafel In His Hand." This one is more serious – still with a flair for the sensational, while being an intelligent, revealing book.
Not sure how accurate it is in the details, and that's an important question. It doesn't pretend to be a balanced picture – definitely a look at the dark underbelly.
November 28, 2013
Just as I suspected! This utterly thrilling ride through the back alleys of sin city confirmed all the wrong reasons I continue to live in Sydney and helps me make sense of my patchy mongrel austrayaaan self, and the violence of dispossession that continues unabated today. This state is still run by blokes who are crass violent, arrogant and have a terrible design aesthetic. It couldn't hurt to have more blokes like John Birmingham around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews